Supernova (25 page)

Sitting on the edge of his bed, Kerrigan picked up the frame and held it close to her face. It was a picture of a woman with two little boys. The woman had her arms wrapped around each child with her face wedged in between the boys’ faces. Her smile was wide and genuine, and it reached all the way up into her eyes. There could be no doubt in anyone’s mind, the woman was happy. The two boys, who Kerrigan had presumed to be the woman’s children, had their lips puckered and were turned to the side as they each kissed the lady on her cheeks. The taller boy in the picture stood out in particular, and she could see the familiar face of her friend.

“Nicky,” Kerrigan breathed. Her fingers reached out to trace the outline of his figure in the photo. His eyes were a darker green, emerald, but the depths of them were still the same.

It was surreal to see that little glimpse into Dominic’s world. So much of who he was still remained a mystery. Kerrigan wondered if he would ever tear down the steel curtains he shielded himself with and truly divulge the secrets of his life. It was difficult to correlate the carefree little boy in the picture with the brooding, self-deprecating man that he had become. What had happened to him in his short life to cause such a dramatic change? Or for that matter, what had happened to the family in the photo, once so full of life and hope? How had they become so broken?

Kerrigan replaced the photo on the nightstand and turned her attention toward the pillow on Dominic’s bed. It was there that his head rested as he dreamed. Her hand smoothed the wrinkles from it as she wondered if she had ever had a starring role in those dreams. She shook her head at her silliness then grabbed his pillow and hugged it to her, inhaling his scent. She lay back onto his bed and stared up at the ceiling, the same ceiling he had likely looked upon countless times. She wished he had been there with her instead of God only knows where.

Before long, Kerrigan had drifted off to sleep. Dominic felt a sense of pride that she was finding some comfort in his bed, in his room, surrounded by his things. He waited and watched, relieved when the nightmares seemed to be gone for the time being.

Once the first signs of dawn crested over the eastern horizon, Dominic made his escape into the bathroom just in time before the transformation took place. He couldn’t risk Kerrigan waking up during the few seconds it took for him to become whole again, and there was that pesky little lie about working all night that he had to try to make look authentic.

Back to his human form again, he made his way up to his bedroom, not trying to be quiet, because technically, he shouldn’t know that she was sleeping in his bed. She didn’t even stir when he trudged up the steps with heavy footfalls. He chucked his boots off, not caring where they fell, and stepped out of his jeans before slipping on a pair of sleep pants. He was aware that if she woke at all during that time, she was going to catch an eyeful since he went commando and all, but as soundly as she was sleeping, it was doubtful that she was going to wake any time soon.

He stripped his T-shirt off and slipped into the bed. Lying on top of the sheets, he mimicked her position without touching her. As much as he tried not to disturb her, she must have felt the bed shift with his weight because she hummed contentedly and turned to face him with a big smile on her face. Her eyes fluttered open and the instant she realized that he was real, the smile dropped and her eyes shot open wider in surprise.

“Good morning,” Dominic said in a hushed tone.

“’Morning,” she mumbled, her cheeks stained with a deep crimson blush. “I’m sorry. I was just…”

Dominic put his finger to her lips to quiet her. “I think I rather like seeing you in my bed when I get home. You’re welcomed to it any time.”

“I’ve been having these horrible nightmares,” she started, her focus trained on his tattoo. “I…I guess I just missed you.”

“Hey,” Dominic said, lifting her chin with his finger so that she was looking at him. “Do you want to talk about it?”

His eyes were sincere and full of concern. She could see his desire to make it all better, just the way he had been doing with her training. But, saying it out loud would almost be like daring the nightmare to become a reality. She just couldn’t stand that thought.

She shook her head in response, hoping he wouldn’t try to force it out of her.

Dominic gave her a faint smile. “Come here.” He pulled her into his chest and tucked her head under his chin before he kissed the top of it and secured her body to his.

“So, you like my shirt, huh?” he asked with a bit of amusement in his voice as he rubbed her back.

Kerrigan’s body stiffened against him and she looked down, confirming with her own eyes that she was still wearing it. “Oh, um…”

“It’s okay, Querida,” he chuckled. “The only thing better than seeing you in my bed, is seeing you in my bed with my shirt on. Keep it. It looks better on you anyway.”

Kerrigan relaxed in his arms again and pressed her nose against his neck to breathe in his scent. This was the comfort she was looking for. It was in the way he held her, the way he just made everything okay. Whether it was just a fluke or not, she noticed that while she had been in his bed, the nightmare had stayed away.

“Did you just take a shower?” she asked, noting she couldn’t smell the soap on him, but she also didn’t smell anything relating to a work odor either.

“Nope, too exhausted.” Dominic never slept while he was in ghost form. He wasn’t even sure if he could. He never tried, afraid he might not wake up or something like that. So, he always stayed awake during his phantom time and caught a few hours the next morning.

“But you don’t smell like manual labor,” Kerrigan said, making Dominic aware that he had messed up.

Quick on his feet, he shrugged nonchalantly and closed his eyes. “I had an easy night for once.”

“Oh.” Kerrigan rolled over.

“Hey, where are you going? I don’t smell that bad, do I?” Dominic asked, feigning insult.

“You don’t stink at all. On the contrary, I think you always smell delicious and,” she stopped mid-sentence, blushing. “…and I probably shouldn’t have said that.”

There was a long pause before Dominic finally spoke in that deep, lusty voice. “Can I have a kiss goodnight?”

Kerrigan turned to look over her shoulder. “I haven’t brushed my teeth yet this morning. I’m sure my breath must be kickin’.”

“I. Don’t. Care,” Dominic said, putting his hand on her hip and rolling her over so that she was lying on her back.

When he leaned forward to claim his kiss, she threw a hand up over her mouth to stop him. Dominic growled playfully and pulled her hand away, letting their joined hands rest on her stomach. Kerrigan felt like she was going to melt into the mattress when she looked back at him and his tongue darted out to wet his lips. He leaned over her and began to close the distance.

She closed her eyes and sighed when his mouth met hers. As usual, his lips were soft and warm, but the breath that seeped from his mouth was always cold. It was an odd mixture, but it was perfect and refreshing. The hand that had been resting on hers began to drift down her stomach and across her hip as his lips moved fluidly over hers with the most delicious pressure.

Kerrigan wasn’t sure which sensation she should concentrate on, his kiss or his touch. When he reached her hip, he kept going lower, the heat of his hand pressing against the naked flesh of her thigh and then behind her raised knee. He cupped her knee and pulled her toward him so that it was hitched over his hip.

She couldn’t stop the moan that escaped her throat. Her lips parted to let the sound out, and Dominic seized the opportunity, slipping his tongue inside to greet hers. He was minty fresh, as usual, and she couldn’t resist letting go of her self-consciousness about proper hygiene as she tasted of him freely. Her fingers wound into the hair at the nape of his neck. She pulled him closer as he tilted his head to the side to allow her better access.

Dominic rolled so that he was hovering over her, allowing more of his body to press against her with his weight. Kerrigan’s hand wandered down his muscular back, and when she reached his ass, she swept her hand over the supple curve and cupped it in her hand, pulling him closer. It was when his arousal came into contact with her center that he hissed and pulled away, severing the kiss and the moment.

“Goodnight, Querida.” He smiled down at her with a smirk. He really wanted to spoon with her, but he was afraid that forking would be the first thing that came to mind. So, he had to turn away to get his traitorous body under control before he even attempted to snuggle with her.

Kerrigan followed his lead and faced away from him with a disgruntled huff. He was always the one who started warming things up between them, and he was also the one who always stopped them before either one of them could gain any sort of satisfaction out of the other. It irritated her to no end, but aside from throwing herself at him, only to be met with rejection, she really had no other option than to let him set the pace of their physical relationship.

For now, his friendship and the occasional shared kiss was enough. Because at least he was there.

“It’s okay, Kerrigan,” Dominic’s voice was meant to be reassuring and comforting, but she wasn’t comforted at all.

“No, it’s not. He’s dying. I can sense his internal injuries.” Kerrigan sobbed uncontrollably while trying to wipe her tears away with the back of her hand. Her desperation was palpable. “How can I be expected to save an actual human being if I can’t even help a poor, defenseless puppy?”

Dominic and Kerrigan had been working on chipping the flaking pieces of paint off the side of the house in preparation of giving it a fresh new coat when the sound of squealing tires drew their attention away. An asshole driving way too fast while talking on a cell phone and drinking his morning coffee had been too busy multitasking to see the little puppy trying to cross the road. The puppy paid for the driver’s mistake, but he wasn’t dead. Yet.

Kerrigan had convinced Dominic to bring the near lifeless puppy around to the back yard, so she could attempt to put her Light to work and try to save him, but she was failing miserably. Dominic admired her relentless pursuit, but he knew she would never succeed if he couldn’t get her to calm down enough to be able to find her inner sanctuary.

The pup lay between them. Matted fur that was once white was tinged yellow with filth and hung low in his eyes. He was struggling to hold onto his last breaths, obviously in pain. His side rose and fell in rapid succession with his labored panting while his tongue hung limply from the side of his mouth.

“Okay, look at me,” he said, taking her face in his hands to force her attention away from the puppy and on him. “Me, Kerrigan, look only at me.”

She nodded her acquiescence as much as she could through the grip he had on her face.

“Good. Now, close your eyes and concentrate on the sound of my voice.” Kerrigan did as he asked. “Breathe in and out, slowly.”

When she had done what he said a few times he continued in a low voice, “Encuéntrame, Querida. Find me. What do you see?”

He watched the lines on her face furrow in concentration, her eyes moved back and forth as if she was searching.

Her voice was frantic. “Nothing! I can’t see you!”

Dominic leaned in so that his lips were grazing hers and whispered, “I’m there. I’m always there. You just have to find me.”

He placed a gentle kiss to her lips. Kerrigan saw a flash of light pass before her eyes, carrying her through time and space until she was in her sanctuary. She was still in the middle of the garden, but it was different, as if it were part of another world. She spun around in a circle, the vegetation and trees a mere blur. She searched for him, for Dominic.

She stopped abruptly when she heard a ghost of her grandmother’s voice saying, “Nothing is as it seems.”

The garden was still, not even a hint of a breeze stirring the air around her, but she heard the wind coming from one point behind her. It sounded so out of place that she whipped around to seek out the source.

There was an old, majestic oak tree that stood proud and tall in the center of the garden. Its trunk was broad and sturdy, strong enough to withstand the tests of time. Limbs dipped and curved, some hanging low to the ground while others stretched to the highest heights. Luscious green foliage crept along the knotty wood like a second layer of skin, the deep crevices of the bark were like veins beneath the surface that spanned across the massive tree and climbed like ivy along its limbs.

There could be no doubt. This was Dominic.

Wind whipped through the dark green leaves, calling out to her in a whisper to come closer. In her mind’s eye, Kerrigan moved toward the tree and knelt at its base. She placed one hand on its trunk and the other on the root that led beneath the ground. She could feel the pulse of life that ran beneath her fingers, hear the cadence of existence rustle through its limbs, and smell the deep musk of time that came from its roots.

Kerrigan’s eyelids opened slowly, the familiar pale blue shining back at Dominic as he smiled in wonderment. He would never get used to being in the presence of something so wholesome and pure.

She placed one hand on the dog’s crown and the other on its side. Closing her eyes again, she took deep breaths. Dominic watched as a shimmer of light, which would have been undetected by anyone who didn’t know what they were seeing, flowed from her fingertips and disappeared into the pup’s fur.

Beneath her fingers, she could feel the pup’s skin warming, the cold hand of death loosening its grip. A fluttering heartbeat grew stronger with each passing moment, and she could sense what she could only describe as essence surging beneath her palm.

A few moments passed. Kerrigan felt something warm and wet on the side of her hand. She opened her eyes and moved her hands only to be suddenly attacked by a little ball of fur eager to make her acquaintance and express his gratitude for saving his life.

“Whoa! Somebody’s feeling better. Huh, little man?” Kerrigan laughed. The puppy jumped onto her chest and lavished her face with wet kisses.

“I think you have an admirer,” Dominic chuckled. “And as pathetic as it sounds, I think I might be jealous.”

The puppy lunged at the sound of Dominic’s voice and began bestowing an equal amount of affection on him as well.

“Hey! Don’t be stealing all my puppy lovin’,” Kerrigan pouted and then moved closer to Dominic so that they were shoulder to shoulder.

The pup bounced back and forth between the two of them, trying to give each of them a thorough tongue bathing on every inch of exposed skin he could find. Kerrigan laughed and hugged him to her while Dominic scratched behind the dog’s ear.

Kerrigan’s voice went from happy to sad all at once. “I guess we better go see if we can find his owners.”

Dominic held the pup’s face up to look at him. “Well, he looks like a mutt, and he isn’t wearing a collar, so I’d venture a guess that he’s a stray.”

“But what if he gets hit by another car, or starves, or…or worse? What if he doesn’t have anybody to love him?”

The sound of her voice nearly broke Dominic’s heart. The woman was already attached to the pup and rightly so. She had just saved its life.

Pictures of Kerrigan sleeping alone flashed across his mind. She had taken him up on his offer and had been sleeping in his bed every night over the last couple of weeks. Sometimes she got up and slipped back into her own bed before he was scheduled to arrive home from “work”, and sometimes she just remained in his bed. He had made it part of his routine to shower and change into his pajamas after his transformation and before he climbed into bed with her so that there would be no more questions regarding his true whereabouts when he was supposed to be working.

Regardless, it tore Dominic up on the inside to watch her hug his pillow close when they both would have preferred it to have been him. He thought that the puppy might be an acceptable alternative, so he made the decision for the both of them.

“We’re going to keep him. We can hang up posters, and we’ll watch the paper, but if no one steps forward to claim him, he’ll be yours.”

“Ours,” Kerrigan corrected him. “He’ll be ours.”

“Did you hear that, puppy?” Kerrigan cooed in that voice people only use to talk to animals and babies. “You get to stay here with us. I’m going to be your new mommy, and Dominic’s going to be your new daddy. Yes, we are.”

The puppy went crazy, licking and pawing at the both of them while giving little barks of excitement. All while his tail wagged furiously behind him.

“We should probably name him,” Dominic said. “What name do you think suits him?”

They sat there playing with the puppy as they both tried to come up with a suitable name they could agree on.

“How about Milagros? It’s Spanish for miracle,” Dominic offered.

“Yeah, Milagros,” Kerrigan agreed. “Millie, for short.”

Dominic rolled his eyes at her. “You can’t name him Millie. That’s a girl’s name.”

“So? Dogs don’t know the difference between boy and girl names, Dominic. Do you, Millie?” she cooed at the dog again, earning a bark of satisfaction and another lick on the cheek. “See? He likes it already.”

Kerrigan stood from the ground. The puppy hopped into Dominic’s lap, landing on his crotch. Thankfully, the puppy weighed next to nothing, or he would’ve been doubled over in pain.

“Come on, Millie,” Kerrigan called to the puppy and he bounced after her. “Let’s go get you cleaned up and find you something to eat.”

Dominic groaned at her insistence as he raised himself from the ground, knowing he was already overruled on the subject. The pup would forever be called, Millie.

Millie had only been officially living with them for a few hours and already he was spoiled rotten. Kerrigan had given him a bath and cut up little pieces of hotdogs for him to eat until they could make a trip to the store to buy more appropriate dog food. The girls were fawning over him as if he was a baby, and Millie was eating up the attention.

With the hubbub around their latest addition, Dominic hadn’t noticed how pale Kerrigan had become or how weak she seemed to be. When he finally did, he took Millie from her and handed him to Gabe, scooped her up into his arms, and carried her back out into the garden to deposit her onto the chaise lounge. They only had the advantage of a now waning sun at their disposal, but he had to try to get some of the Light’s energy back into her.

“Jesus, Querida.” Dominic’s voice was laced with worry as he knelt beside her. “You have to tell me when you get like this.”

She tried to act like it was no big deal. “I’m fine, Dominic. I’m just a little tired.”

“You can’t just blow this off like it’s no big deal. It
is
a big deal, and you need…”

“I need you to stop being such a worry wart and get up here with me,” she said, patting the place beside her.

Dominic huffed in resignation, but joined her on the lounge chair anyway. He put his arm around her, so her head was nestled into his shoulder and her cheek was pressed to his chest.

“I should have known something that strenuous would take a toll on you.”

Kerrigan could hear his heartbeat beneath her ear, strong and loud. She looked up at his face and saw the muscles in his jaw flexing as he gritted his teeth and stared straight ahead. The tendon in his neck was taut, and she followed its sharp line down until she could see the beginning of their twin mark peeking out just under the collar of his signature black T-shirt. He was upset with himself, but she really didn’t think he needed to be. She was stronger, even if he couldn’t see it for himself.

Intent on making him feel better, just like he always did for her, she reached a hand up and slipped her fingers under the collar of his shirt to caress the smooth texture of the scar that marked him and bound them together. Dominic’s eyes closed, and his head rolled back to rest against the chair. A muffled moan reverberated through his chest, and his breathing became deeper and slower. After a moment, his heart had settled back out to a normal pace. All traces of tension seemed to have been erased.

“Better?” she asked with a hint of a smile to her voice.

“Much. But I’m more concerned about you. How did you do that anyway?”

“I’m not sure. I’ve been curious about our twin marks for a while and thought I would try to touch it and see if it would do anything. I guess it’s our button, so to speak.”

“Our button?” Dominic chuckled.

“Yeah, you know, like our reset button or whatever.” She shrugged.